In the 11-year period of 2005 through 2015, canines killed 360 Americans. Pit bulls contributed to 64% (232) of these deaths. Combined, pit bulls and rottweilers contributed to 76% of the total recorded deaths. | More »

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Jeannine Fusco, 44 Years OldAirmont, NY - It was reported on October 8, 2006 that a Rockland County woman was killed after being bitten in the head and throat by a pit bull she and her sister were watching for a friend. Police said the dog violently attacked 44-year-old Jeannine Fusco in the garage of her home. The victim suffered severe bites to her throat, head and neck.

By the time officers arrived, Jeannine was already dead, and the dog had disappeared. Her sister, Valerie Wall, 43, was bitten on the leg and hand and taken to a local hospital. Police officers later found the dog in the home's backyard and killed it. Two dogs owned by the sisters, which were not involved in the attacks, were taken to the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, N.Y.

The two sisters lived in a split-level home and mostly kept to themselves, neighbors said. They often took in the dogs of friends or other people who could no longer care for the animals. At the mouth of their driveway was a hand painted sign reading, "Dogs at play." A coworker said that he had seen Jeannine the night before at a wedding. He described her as "incredibly dedicated, smart and lots of fun."